Often times, traveling to another city for a conference means never seeing the outside of the hotel or convention center conference room where it's being held. But if you happen to be in Detroit for a conference at Cobo Center, here are a few ways to spend your free time:

Metro Detroit has its own O.C.: Oakland County. With premier shopping, amazing restaurants and plenty of culture, it's a great place to explore. Here's an itinerary of possible activities to spend a day in Oakland County – though be warned, a day will only give you a glimpse into all its cities have to offer.

Say it with us - Oktoberfest. Trust us, when a visit to Belgium isn't in the books, a visit to a metro Detroit brewery, restaurant or beer fest will do the trick. Metro Detroit's beer scene has so much to offer. We've assembled some of the best beer events on the horizon this fall so you can make the most of the harvest season. Cheers!